Daily sweetened drink intake raises diabetes risk: 23% for sugar-sweetened, 38% for artificially sweetened. Digest
While sugar-sweetened drinks are a leading source of excess dietary sugar, artificially sweetened alternatives—often seen as healthier—are now under scrutiny for their potential harms, with many studies suggesting that both contribute to long-term metabolic disease. A recent study found that daily consumers of sugar-sweetened drinks had a 23% higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while those drinking artificially sweetened beverages daily faced a 38% higher risk.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 36,000 adults aged 40 to 69 years in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Participants reported how often they drank sweetened beverages, ranging from less than once a month to once or more daily. The researchers accounted for a wide range of factors, including diet, physical activity, obesity, and socioeconomic status.
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The analysis identified a clear association between frequent intake of sweetened beverages and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. People who consumed sugar-sweetened beverages daily were 23% more likely to develop the disease, while those who drank artificially sweetened beverages daily faced an 83% higher risk. Even after accounting for differences in body weight and fat distribution, the elevated risk linked to artificially sweetened drinks remained statistically significant—at 38%. In total, more than 1,700 new cases of type 2 diabetes were recorded during the study period, with the highest rates observed among those who consumed sweetened beverages most frequently.
These findings suggest that both sugar and artificially sweetened beverages play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes, independent of obesity. Artificial sweeteners may harm the gut, too, ultimately influencing metabolic health. Learn more in this clip featuring Dr. Eran Elinav.